Effects of early- to mid-gestational undernutrition with or without protein supplementation on offspring growth, carcass characteristics, and adipocyte size in beef cattle1

Abstract

Angus × Gelbvieh cows with 2 to 3 previous pregnancies were used to evaluate effects of maternal nutrient restriction on offspring adipose tissue morphology at standard production endpoints. At 45 d after AI to a single sire, pregnancy was confirmed and cows randomly allotted into groups and fed a control (Con, 100% of NRC recommendations), nutrient-restricted (NR, 70% of Con diet), or nutrient-restricted + protein-supplemented (NRP, 70% of Con + essential AA supply to the small intestine equal to Con) diet. At d 185 of gestation, cows were commingled and received the Con diet thereafter. Bull calves were castrated at 2 mo of age. Calves were weaned at 210 d, backgrounded for 28 d, and then placed in the feedlot for 195 d. Steers and heifers were slaughtered at an average 12th-rib fat thickness of 7.6 mm. Adipose tissue from selected depots was collected for adipocyte size analysis. There was no significant difference in BW or BCS between Con, NRP, and NR cows at d 45 of gestation, which averaged 489.7 ± 17.7 kg and 5.35 ± 0.13, respectively. At d 185 of gestation, Con and NRP groups had similar BW (566.1 ± 14.8 and 550.2 ± 14.8 kg) and BCS (6.34 ± 0.27 and 5.59 ± 0.27), but NR cows exhibited reduced (P < 0.05) BW (517.9 ± 14.8 kg) and BCS (4.81 ± 0.27). Among offspring (steers and heifers) at slaughter, there were no significant differences in BW or organ weights among treatment groups. Yield grade was reduced (P < 0.05) and semitendinosus weight/HCW tended (P = 0.09) to be…